Comments on: Hacking PDX: Compiling a geek’s guide to Portland International Airport

By: Ryan

Ryan — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 02:04:13 +0000

I understand the alure of parking at “X”, but there can be a very distinct downside to it. On many occasions I have seen the shuttle bus be full before getting to the last stop at either the red or blue lots. It’s a real bummer to watch the bus leave you behind.

By: OSCON 2008: Prepping for Portland, Oregon » Silicon Florist

OSCON 2008: Prepping for Portland, Oregon » Silicon Florist — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 20:59:58 +0000

[…] Hacking PDX: A geek’s guide to Portland International Airport “We have a great airport with plenty of features that just about any traveler could need. But, despite all its ease-of-use, there are always a few tips-and-tricks that make the experience that much better.” […]

By: Rick Turoczy

Rick Turoczy — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 16:34:27 +0000

So, I have a couple more tips from my last trip

First, Cascade Station is perfect for poor packers. As I sprinted out of my house and headed down the road to my flight, it dawned on me that I had left my phone charger at home. Suddenly, my mind raced. Could I conserve enough battery energy for the 24 hour period? Not likely. Could I turn around and still make my flight? Even less likely.

What to do? What to do? Well, here’s what I did: I opted to head to the new Best Buy right out at Cascade Station on Airport Way. No one is there shopping on weekdays, so I walked right in, grabbed the charger, and started to walk out. (And here’s the hint) But I stopped at the greeter desk. Because they have box cutters to open those insanely wrapped electronic packages.

Second, I just noticed an “Experienced traveler” line at Gates D & E security. So, now, if you’re running late and you happen to be a frequent flyer—just not enough of a frequent flyer to use that lane—head to the security gates at D&E and take the new lane.

The silhouettes for the two lines are classic. The “Experienced traveler” line is depicted by a business person carrying one bag. The “Inexperienced traveler” line is a gaggle of family members with all sorts of luggage.

Experience is rewarding. At least at PDX.

By: Alex Williams

Alex Williams — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 01:57:00 +0000

I have used both Jott and Sandy and I would say Sandy is more versatile. I love the tagging and lookup features. and the twitter integration is awesome b/c i love my Twitterberry.

Jott doesn’t work as well as I thought it would for me.

@alexcwilliams

By: Gary Walter

Gary Walter — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 13:53:07 +0000

Yes, actually, I’m much smarter than I look, I got your reference. I do wish that Jott had an IM or Twitter link. When I’m in my truck, using my BT headset, I don’t get much more than a mere recording of a voice memo.

Now that I’ve turned the data plan on for my phone/pda, things may be different.

(PS: I laughed out loud at the thought of Rainier being “some sort of Jott-loving, anti-Sandy faction.”

FYI, I’m the only one with a PC up here! You should see the looks when I ask people if I can send them an e-mail. LOL)

By: Rick Turoczy

Rick Turoczy — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 05:45:14 +0000

Ugh. I just re-read that comment and it didn’t come out right. By “it’s where you live” I meant, “it’s the tools with which you spend the majority of your time” as in “I live in Twitter.” I didn’t mean to sound like I was slamming Rainier, OR, as some sort of Jott-loving, anti-Sandy faction.

By: Rick Turoczy

Rick Turoczy — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 15:22:50 +0000

@Gary And I would argue “it’s where you live,” and respectfully yet completely disagree with you. I’m in Twitter and email on my phone far more than I’m talking on my phone. So it’s far easier for me to send Sandy a tweet asking her to remind me of things. I get the same SMS message via tweet, and an email. And I don’t have to leave the interface I’m already using. To each his/her own.

By: Mike Mathews

Mike Mathews — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 15:22:18 +0000

Jott is great except when there is too much noise. I SMS Gcal the location with an appointment 15 minute after my PDX arrival time, but after hearing more about Sandy at Startupalooza, I may have to give Sandy a try.

By: Gary Walter

Gary Walter — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 10:57:16 +0000

While I appreciate that Sandy is a local company, and I think they have a good product, in my experience, http://jott.com is simpler and easier to use - plus you get an SMS response for later review.

By: Taylor

Taylor — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 16:42:03 +0000

I fly an average of 3 flights a week out of PDX, we are blessed with a very easy to use airport. Another tip-The busiest airlines are all based out of the terminals A, B, and C and the line can get backed up (even for us 1K and MVP Gold folks) you can walk over to terminal D and E line and you can almost always get through it without waiting at all and then take the “concourse connector” to your left back terminals A, B, and C. Also don’t forget about ultimate parking experience-the Valet parking on the departure level. I have the system so well tuned now that I can show up 35 minutes ahead of a Alaska flight and make it every time. I compeletly agree with Auz, the frequent fliers are the one paying the vast majority of the fees and spending the most money at the airport and we take no time getting through the lines, get out of our way.